Job Description (show details...)

Summary

The scientist 3 is responsible for leading a broad set of activities across several scientific disciplines in support of research and development (R&D) science, which is defined as the application of scientific principles under the scientific method to address technical problems; or to develop novel techniques or principles; or to analyze data or outcomes from experiments (in the real world or in the computational domain) or from observational procedures in the context of the underlying scientific principles or models. Capable professional with expertise in several relevant disciplines or in a narrow, specialized field.

Job Duties

1. Safety and security are primary responsibilities for all Laboratory employees. Maintains required safety and security training and assures compliance; makes safety and security an integral part of every task. Takes steps to stop work if unsafe conditions exist or security is compromised.
2. Adheres to scientific policies, programs, procedures and practices.
3. Promotes a mutually respectful work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and that supports cooperation, teamwork, and resource sharing.
4. Follows the generally-accepted procedure of the Scientific Method, namely: (1) observation of specific phenomena, (2) construction of  an hypothesis or hypotheses to explain these phenomena, (3) testing of the hypothesis or hypotheses by experiment or other measurable, empirical techniques, and (4) dissemination of ideas, models, tests, data, and hypotheses to the peer community and beyond.
5. Applies, on a broad basis, scientific principles, techniques, methods and tools to provide solutions for an extensive and diverse range of complex and/or ambiguous problems where analysis of situations or data requires in-depth evaluation of variable factors.
6. Leads the research, design, testing, analysis, verification, and validation of cross-disciplinary, or highly and/or narrowly specialized, novel scientific and technological solutions in support of R&D initiatives.
7. Develops innovative advanced concepts, theories, methods, techniques and approaches to address specialized problems. May contribute to the development of technical standards. Develops new technical capabilities and creates opportunities to extend existing science through the expansion of existing efforts.
8. Leads the development of technical products such as journal papers, reports, presentations, and concept papers. Develops intellectual property leading to publications, copyrights, and/or patents. May contribute to technology transfer.
9. Influences organizational, project, and program strategies and directions. Leads technical decision-making at task level within a project. Makes decisions and/or recommendations that influence the achievement of key programmatic objectives.
10. Uses project assignments to further organizational goals. Develops and implements project management plans, including scope, schedule, and budget, for small to moderate projects and/or major project tasks. Defines deliverables at project or major task level.
11. Actively participates in professional societies, complex interactions, special assignments, and/or external collaborations. Participates in external working groups and/or assists in organizing meetings and colloquia.
12. Leads peer review of the work of others within own organization and participates in peer review across organizations or disciplines.
13. Enhances technical and professional expertise of junior staff through active mentoring and training.
14. Develops ideas for new proposals and business development opportunities. Leads development of technical section of small to moderate proposals.
15. Acquires internal/external funding for self and others.
16. Contributes to developments in discipline, and develops new skills consistent with state-of-the-art. May attain additional certifications, qualifications, and/or professional recognitions.

Job Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge and experience in one or more technical research and development disciplines.
• Thorough understanding of principles of scientific integrity.
• Thorough knowledge and experience in developing and implementing technical research and development projects, including the formulation and testing of hypotheses, investigation of alternative solutions, and recommendation of solutions to technical problems.
• Thorough knowledge and experience in formulating and presenting results to technical audiences and readerships.
• Thorough knowledge and experience of appropriate safe practices for technical work.

Education

• Typical educational requirement is an advanced degree in science from an accredited college or university.

Direction

A. Supervision Received

• Receives nominal supervision on all except the most complex problems and solutions.

B. Supervision Exercised

• Coordinates and monitors the work of junior staff and peers. Provides technical direction to multiple teams for organizational initiatives.

C. Contacts

• Position typically requires ability to build effective multi-disciplinary teams and to interact with directorate-wide networks. Represents the Laboratory to external agencies in limited and defined capacities. Interacts routinely with Laboratory middle- and senior-level management.

This description is not intended to be a complete statement of every aspect of the position, but rather to act as a guide to the essential functions to be performed. Assigned functions of this job may vary, and other duties and responsibilities may be assigned or changed at the discretion of management.